Checkboxes in Windows Explorer

Here's a Vista feature some people have asked me about, the mysterious checkboxes... (Total Commander users: continue reading at your own risk :o)

Details view with checkboxes

Medium icon view with check boxes

 How does it work?

  • The checkboxes appear when you have selected a file/folder or when you hover it
  • When you click on the file/folder name or icon, the selection changes to that file/folder (clearing the previous selection)
  • When you click the checkbox, the file/folder is added to the current selection (without holding Ctrl or Shift)
  • Works in any view mode (details, list, icons, thumbnails,...) although I haven't seen it in the command prompt...

Where to get it?

  • Go to the Folder Options (can't think of the easiest way to get there but you should have it by now)
  • Go to the View tab
  • Scroll to the bottom
  • Check this one: Use check boxes to select items
    Folder options > View tab

Now you'll never have to drop your sandwich again to hold the shift key!

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